Journal Entry – William Hooper – 23 Apr 1833

Tuesday 23rd April, continued.



This being the day appointed for submitting to Public Auction the five lots of Wood, I rode to Hexham for the purpose, and tho’ we had a very crowded room, and as I thought at first a fair chance of competition, I had the mortification of buying in all the lots to prevent their going about half value – looking at the character of the people who were congregated on this occasion, and to all the circumstances as regards the locality of Hexham, I am disposed very much to question whether selling by proposal does not offer a fairer chance of obtaining an adequate price for the Timber. Upon the fullest enquiry I can make, it would be too great a sacrifice of the Hospital’s interests to accept terms at all approaching to the offers this day made, at the same time it must be observed that we have a great deal of thriving wood becoming annually fit for the market, and many of the plantations, especially Larch, absolutely require thinning, so that it will be policy to sell if possible.



The 1st Lot valued by Parkin at £380, I would sell for £320; the 2nd valued at £310 I would sell for £250; the 3rd at £220, I would sell for £200; the 4th at £195 I would sell for £175; and the 5th valued at £420, I would sell for £350.  I should doubt the propriety of any further reduction.



Had a long conference with Mr Walker of the Carlisle Railway, who assured me that the compensation of the Hospital Tenantry should be all settled in a few days, and that I should receive a satisfactory report on the subject.